Garmin Fenix 8 microLED: Employee confirms leaks, but microLED is still expected to be extremely expensive

The Garmin Fenix 8 microLED has already been spotted in the official Garmin app and on a compatibility list. Now, a Garmin employee, who wishes to remain anonymous, has commented on the first smartwatch with a microLED display, as reported by the5krunner. According to the employee, the Fenix 8 microLED is currently undergoing internal beta testing, so it could be over a year before the launch.

This is not least due to problems with the production of the microLED displays. The current production yield of the panels is said to be just 10%, meaning that nine out of ten displays produced have defects and have to discarded immediately. As a result, the production costs of a single display for Garmin are said to be around $100. To put this into perspective: according to a "Bill of Materials" analysis, the display of the Google Pixel Watch costs just $21, while the entire smartwatch can be manufactured for $123.

Panel manufacturers can usually improve production yields over time, significantly reducing costs. Garmin has already signed a contract with Vuzix for the supply of microLED components, while AU Optronics is expected to start delivering microLED panels for smartwatches by the first quarter of 2025. These panels will initially be intended for smartwatches from Garmin and TAG Heuer, which makes perfect sense in view of the rather higher-priced models from both manufacturers.